Ross R.
Parent
Handbook MacKay
P.S.
Upper Grand District School Board
Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
Principal’s Message ....................................................................................................................................................4
Communication ..........................................................................................................................................................5
Agendas/Organizers ...................................................................................................................................................5
School Council ............................................................................................................................................................5
Membership:........................................................................................................................................................5
Roles and Responsibilities:...................................................................................................................................6
The School Council Shall: .....................................................................................................................................6
The Members of School Council shall: .................................................................................................................6
Attendance, Absence & “Lates” .................................................................................................................................7
Safe-Arrival Program ............................................................................................................................................7
Student Arrival: ....................................................................................................................................................7
Departure: ............................................................................................................................................................8
Excused From Class ..............................................................................................................................................8
Attendance (Boundary) Areas ....................................................................................................................................8
Custody & Guardianship .............................................................................................................................................8
Field Trips ...................................................................................................................................................................8
Supervision .................................................................................................................................................................9
Outside Supervision: ............................................................................................................................................9
Inside Supervision: ...............................................................................................................................................9
Supervision After School: .....................................................................................................................................9
Nutrition Breaks .........................................................................................................................................................9
Breakfast For Learning................................................................................................................................................9
Hot Lunches & Milk Orders ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Volunteers & Fundraising ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act ............................................................................................. 10
Student Home Telephone Numbers ................................................................................................................. 10
Student Medical Information:........................................................................................................................... 11
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Students’ Work ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Photographs and Videos of Students................................................................................................................ 11
Student Records ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Health & Safety........................................................................................................................................................ 12
Emergency ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
Fire and Emergency Drills ................................................................................................................................. 12
Illness and Injury ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Medications ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Life Threatening Allergies ................................................................................................................................. 12
Head Lice ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Seasonal Activities ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Skateboards, Scooters, and Roller-Blades ........................................................................................................ 13
Footwear ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Term Reports ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Report Grading System ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Inclement Weather.................................................................................................................................................. 14
Kindergarten ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
Homework ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Photographs ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
Year End (June) Awards ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Acceptable Use of Digital Technology ..................................................................................................................... 17
Responsibilities of the School ........................................................................................................................... 17
Responsibilities of the User .............................................................................................................................. 18
Unacceptable Uses............................................................................................................................................ 18
Consequences ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Child Abuse Policy ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Code Of Conduct – Ross R. MacKay P.S. .................................................................................................................. 19
Goals: ................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Student Rights & Responsibilities: .................................................................................................................... 19
Page |2
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Parent Rights & Responsibilities: ...................................................................................................................... 20
Staff Rights & Responsibilities: ......................................................................................................................... 20
In-School Expectations: ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Playground Expectations: ................................................................................................................................. 21
Creative Playground Expectations: ................................................................................................................... 21
Dress Code: ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Behaviour Consequences ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Classroom Level Intervention ........................................................................................................................... 22
Office Visit / Detention / Problem Solving ........................................................................................................ 23
Suspension and Expulsion (ref. Safe Schools Act, 2001)................................................................................... 23
Mitigating Circumstances ................................................................................................................................. 24
Expectations For Bus Conduct ................................................................................................................................. 24
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Ross R. MacKay Public School!
I would like to welcome you to our wonderful community school of Ross R. MacKay, and hope
that you and your family have enjoyed a wonderful summer holiday!
The warm welcome that you experience upon entering the front foyer of our school is the result
of an amazing connection between parents, students, and staff. Together, we all make Ross
R. MacKay a vibrant and exciting place to live and learn. I am confident that as the year
progresses, each of you will find a manner in which you might enrich the learning environment
for all of our youngsters; I strongly encourage each of you to come forward to share your
talents and interests with our school.
Ross R. MacKay is very fortunate to have a highly dedicated and committed teaching staff,
support staff, School Council, and parent volunteer group. Through the tireless efforts of these
people, our students benefit from a host of in-class and extra-curricular activities throughout
the year. We have sports teams that represent us year round, clubs that highlight individual
students interests and talents, and student leadership opportunities within our school such as
morning announcements, office helpers, and classroom helpers. We are also most fortunate to
have a fabulous Breakfast Club, that helps to ensure that the nutritional and social needs of all
of our youngsters are addressed at the start of each learning day.
I look forward to the opportunities and excitement that the coming school year will bring to
each of us, and welcome your ideas and input as we work in partnership to enrich the lives of
our children.
Yours in Education,
Mr. P. Huddleston
Principal
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Communication
Communication between home and school is vital if children are to meet all learning expectations.
Throughout the year, you can expect the following forms of communications from the school:
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A new/revised Parent Handbook
Monthly School Newsletters
Monthly Class Newsletters
Daily Agenda Use
Regular teacher/administration contact via phone and visitations
Classroom Visits (appointment required)
School Sign (Outside) Messages
Community Bulletin Board inside the school lobby
We invite you to visit the school, its teachers, the classrooms, and our many programs. Consider
getting involved in School Council, which is an advisory group to the principal regarding school
initiatives. Your input is respected, appreciated, and most valued!
Agendas/Organizers
Use of Agendas is strongly encouraged to help our students develop organization and study skills. A
specific time each day will be set aside for the completion of Agendas. This becomes an essential
communication tool and homework organizer
School Council
The School Council is elected each year to provide advice to the school principal on school matters. All
parents are welcomed to attend and participate in meetings of the Council.
Meetings begin at 10:00 am every other month in the school library. Dates are determined each
September at the first meeting and are published in the Monthly School Newsletters.
Membership:
Members shall reflect the diversity of the community and shall include at least the following:
• parents and guardians of students (at least 5 , and comprising a majority of the council)
• community representatives (at least 1 and appointed by the Council)
• the school principal
• teachers (at least 1)
• non-teaching staff (at least 1)
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Roles and Responsibilities:
The Council will provide advice to the school principal, and where appropriate, to the school board, on
any of the following matters which it identifies as a priority:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
local school year calendar
school code of behaviour
curriculum and program goals and priorities
responses to achievement and assessment programs
preparation of the school profile
selection of principals
school budget priorities, including local capital improvement plans
school-community communication plans
methods of reporting to parents and the community
extra-curricular activities in the school
school based services and partnerships
local coordination of services for youth
development, implementation, and review of board policies at a local level.
The School Council Shall:
•
•
•
•
establish its own goals, priorities, and procedures
organize training sessions for its members
communicate with, and seek input from the parents and community
promote the best interests of the school community and • hold a minimum of four meetings a
year.
The chair of Council must be a parent.
Responsibilities of the School Council Chair include calling/ chairing meetings, setting agendas,
ensuring that meeting minutes are recorded and maintained, participating in relevant training, and
maintaining effective communication between the school and parent community.
The Members of School Council shall:
•
•
•
•
•
place the overall interests of the school and children first
attend and participate in School Council meetings
participate in information and training programs
act as a link between the School Council and the community and seek community
participation and
seek to reach consensus in the decision-making processes of the Council.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Attendance, Absence & “Lates”
Good attendance and punctuality are important to maximize school achievement, and are good habits
to develop. Attendance is taken several times each school day. Students are marked late or absent if
they are not in class on time. “On time” is defined as when the teacher addresses all students during
initial in-class starting exercises. Students arriving late must check in at the office so that the official
attendance register can be amended. It is the duty of the parent to ensure the child attends school as
required, and to provide the school with reasons for absences.
To maintain and support a safe, optimal classroom learning environment for all our students, parents
are asked to coordinate ALL student arrivals/departures/pick-ups at the office and foyer only; not at
classroom doors or hallways.
Safe-Arrival Program
Please call the office before 8:30 a.m. at (519) 855-4957 if your child is going to be
absent or late.
Voicemail is available 24 hours a day. When calling, please supply us with:


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the name of the student
the student’s class, and
the reason for absence or lateness
If you do not have access to a telephone, please send a written note with a neighbouring student. We
will call parents of absent students if we have not been informed by the parent of the reason for the
absence.
Late students are to report to the office upon entering school to have their return recorded.
Student Arrival:
•
•
•
•
walk along appropriate paths to the back of the school yard onto the south side before
school
cars drop off / pick up along roadside only to respect bus loading zones: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.,
3:00 - 4:00 p.m., and to ensure the safety of all children.
bicycles must be walked onto school property and properly parked and locked at racks
We cannot be responsible for damage to or loss of bicycles. For safety reasons, we ask that
bicycles not travel through any part of the school grounds. By law, students are required to
wear CSA approved helmets to travel by bicycle.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Departure:
Students must have:
•
a written note if they are leaving school at any time during the day
•
a written note authorizing someone other than the legal guardian to pick up your child
•
a written note authorizing a bussed child to be picked up
It is our practice to send the child home on the bus as usual unless we receive notice of other
arrangements. Students are only permitted to ride their assigned busses. The may not travel on
another bus. (i.e. to a friend’s house after school)
Excused From Class
Send a note with your child, to be delivered to the school office, first thing in the morning. Please pick
up your child in the office; not from the classroom. Under no circumstances should students be
removed from the school without checking with his or her teacher and with the office.
Attendance (Boundary) Areas
The Board establishes school boundaries to maintain a high standard of program for students and
ensure the effective use of their facilities. Parents wishing to send their child to school in another area,
must contact the school in their attendance area for further information.
Custody & Guardianship
Although only a custodial parent can make decisions for a child, a non-custodial parent has the right to
information about a child and access to a child unless denied by a court of law. If you have concerns
about unauthorized access to children or information, it is essential that the principal and office staff be
informed and that verification of the custody orders be placed in the OSR. Otherwise, the school
assumes that a situation of equal access exists.
Field Trips
Field trips provide “education beyond the classroom” and support the
core curriculum. Short local trips, such as walks on the Elora-Cataract
Trail or trips to the town library are considered part of the regular school
day and will not require permission forms as ‘blanket’ permission forms are sent home at the beginning
of the school year for parents/guardians permission for such excursions. Notice about all other school
trips will be sent home in advance. In order for your child to participate, written confirmation is required
to ensure that parental permission has been granted and that parents are aware of the details of the
trip.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Supervision
Outside Supervision:
Bus and yard supervision begins at 8:25 a.m. If you are dropping off your child(ren) in
the morning, please be sure to do so after this time to ensure that your child is
supervised.
Inside Supervision:
Students are not to be in halls, rooms, or the gymnasium without supervision.
Supervision After School:
When picking up your child, we ask that parents meet at the back or south entrance as all students are
dismissed this way. We appreciate parent patience as your child dresses at the end of the day.
Learning these independence skills is essential for social success at school.
Nutrition Breaks
Nutrition Breaks occur two times a day. During first break, there is time to eat a small nutritional snack
before outdoor recess. We encourage fresh fruits, vegetables and lots to drink as we know healthy food
puts our body in a good state for “healthy” learning.
Breakfast For Learning
Our Breakfast for Learning program is run by
volunteers and between 8:15-8:40 am every Monday,
Wednesday & Friday. Participation in the Breakfast
Program is voluntary; however, donations will be
graciously received. The program is intended for students whose families require and appreciate the
necessity of having a nutritious breakfast and may not be able to provide for such a breakfast on a
regular basis. If you could spare an hour a week to assist, your contribution would be very much
appreciated. School Council has been instrumental in applying for operating grants from the Ministry of
Social Services.
Grant amounts are minimal and not significant enough to sustain this program throughout the year.
Please consider making a donation to the Ross R. MacKay Breakfast Club. Contact the Principal if you
are able to make a donation; tax receipts will be issued.
Page |9
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Hot Lunches & Milk Orders
Each year we ask for volunteers to help organize hot lunches for Fridays. Order forms
are sent at the end of each month and are due back by the date indicated on the form.
Milk orders for each day are included on this form. Our program depends on parents to
help. Please consider donating some of your time as often in the month as you are able.
More information can be obtained from the office.
Volunteers & Fundraising
So many of our successes depend on the support of volunteers. Consider volunteering by
: serving on School Council; reading to a student; helping shelve in the library; preparing
materials at home; or providing a club during second break; come help with Breakfast for
Learning or hot lunches. Any involvement in our school is greatly appreciated. We know
increased parent involvement adds up to increased student success.
Fundraising is just one part of being involved. Consider joining us for a School Council meeting to help
set our priorities for the coming years and direct our funds where you see it most useful!
During the school year, your child(ren) will be involved in a variety of activities consistent with educating
students under the Education Act. We bring to your attention the following areas that you and/or your
child’s personal information may be revealed without your notification so that you may express any
concerns.
Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act
FOI
The Municipal Freedom of Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act sets guidelines that Boards
must adhere to when protecting the personal information of their students. The Act requires that
students and parents/guardians of students under the age of 18, be informed of the uses, disclosures
and maintenance of their personal information and that they be given the opportunity to make inquiries
about the same.
Student Home Telephone Numbers
Student home telephone numbers may be released to create telephone lists for distribution as follows:
•
emergency procedures- to volunteers and bus operators for the purpose of making contact
during an emergency, such as inclement weather, the safe arrival program, etc..
•
School Council - to be used for soliciting parent involvement in a variety of school related
activities that will benefit your child.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Student Medical Information:
The school will share and update necessary student information with staff and volunteers for purposes
of student safety only. The Wellington-Dufferin Health Unit will receive information including your child’s
birth date, address, home telephone number, work number of parent, for the purpose of “establishing
and maintaining a school health record according to the Health Protection and Promotion Act and
Immunization of School Pupils Act”.
Students’ Work
Student work with their first name and grade level, may be displayed in the classroom or
school hallways, or may be shared with the public through science fairs, bulletin board
displays, school newsletters, and Board administration offices.
The media may be invited to take school photos of students and write articles about
achievements, graduations, or special events. The student may be identified by first and
last name and grade level. The information gathered is part of our schools communication plan to
highlight and share newsworthy events that occur at our school.
Photographs and Videos of Students
Photogram and videos of students with their names and grades collectively or individually, may be
taken and may be used in the following manner:
•
bulletin boards that are displayed in the classroom and school hallways
•
school yearbooks, newsletters, calendars, or for school identification purposes
•
during classroom activities, open house or parents’ night, etc., in local newspapers
•
on some school buses, to monitor student behaviour
•
A child identification program
Student Records
The Ontario Student Record (OSR) is the confidential, ongoing record of a student’s educational
progress through schools in Ontario. The information in the OSR is available to supervisory officers,
principals, and teachers only for the purpose of improvement of instruction. The OSR is not available to
any other person. Students, and parents of students under the age of 18, may examine the OSR.
Important:
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
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Health & Safety
Emergency
Please provide reliable emergency contact information on the Student
Information Form that is sent home at the beginning of each year. We need to
be able to reach someone if an emergency arises.
If during the year you change your address, phone number, emergency contact,
or place of employment, please phone our office coordinator.
Fire and Emergency Drills
Fire drills are conducted three times during the first term and three times during the spring term.
Tornado drills will occur at least once during the school year. Detailed plans for fire and tornado drills
are shared with all teachers.
Illness and Injury
When a child is feeling ill, the child is asked to inform a teacher of the discomfort. The teacher will
contact the office and the student will be escorted by a peer to the office. Full supervision is maintained
while parents are notified. When an illness or injury is serious, the principal or designate may take the
student to the doctor or hospital.
Medications
All medications are to be kept in the school office. If your child has an inhaler, the office will need to be
notified and the child will carry it with them. Daily disbursements of a medication will be administered in
the school office. Forms are available from the office coordinator granting permission for the dispensing
of the medication.
If a student requires any medications, including Tylenol, the medication must be dropped off at the
school office, even if the student requires it for one day. The school cannot provide any medication for
headaches, cramps, etc. In situations of life threatening extreme allergies requiring an epipen, the
students can carry the pen on their person in a well secured and marked pouch.
Life Threatening Allergies
We have some students with life threatening allergic reactions to peanuts and nuts. The safety of all our
students is important to us. Please be aware that nuts/peanuts in lunches and treats can be life
threatening. Teach your child to be aware and wash hands and mouth with soap immediately following
eating. Your efforts to keep Ross R. MacKay a peanut/nut aware zone are greatly appreciated.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Head Lice
Anyone, regardless of cleanliness, can get head lice. Primary children who play closely together are
particularly susceptible. Parents are asked to check their children regularly for the presence of small
whitish nits (eggs) fastened tightly on the hair shaft near the scalp, and report any occurrences to the
principal. Parents of the children in unaffected classroom will be contacted.
Children with live lice are sent home to be treated before they can return to school.
Signs and Symptoms:
•
persistent itching and scratching of the scalp
•
whitish, oval, tiny eggs (nits) glued to the hair shaft
•
most frequent locations are behind the ears and the back of the head.
Treatment:
•
no live lice may be present upon return
•
nits must be thoroughly removed
Seasonal Activities
Although winter is a wonderful time to play in the snow, we want children to be safe and avoid damage
to glasses and bodies. The Ontario School Board Insurance Exchange (OSBIE) strictly prohibits
activities where personal injury can occur.
Skateboards, Scooters, and Roller-Blades
Board policy prohibits the use of skateboards, scooters, and
rollerblades on school property. No wheels includes the shoes with
wheels.
Footwear
Students must wear shoes in school. Non-marking soles are required for physical education class. To
minimize mud and dirt inside the school, students are asked to have a second pair of sneakers that are
designated for indoor use only. In case of a fire alarm, students may not stop for footwear. Shoe/boots
must be worn at all times while outside.
Term Reports
Reports are issued at the end of each term in November (Progress) and February and in June. Please
carefully review your child’s progress and contact the school if you have any questions. Interviews may
be parent or teacher initiated and requested at any time during the school year. Scheduled parentteacher interviews will be offered during 1st term. Maintaining close communication with your child’s
teacher is important for school success.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
The Ontario Report Card provides opportunities for parents and teachers to review progress and set
goals together.
Report Grading System
Although there are 2 regular reporting periods, do not hesitate to contact your
child’s teacher at any time for an update on progress at school.
Students are generally assessed using a rubric to assign a level 1-4 to projects,
assignments, and tests depending on how well the student demonstrates learning.
The Provincial Guide for Grading includes letter grades for Primary and Junior students. Note the
following chart:
Level
4
3
2
1
R (<50)
Definition
Grade
The student demonstrates the
required knowledge and skills.
Achievement exceeds the
provincial standard.
The student has demonstrated
most of the required knowledge
and skills. Achievement meets
the provincial standard.
The student has demonstrated
some of the required knowledge
and skills. Achievement
approaches the provincial
standard
The student has demonstrated
some of the required knowledge
and skills in limited ways.
Achievement falls much below the
provincial standard.
The student has not demonstrated
the required knowledge and skills.
A+, A, A‘high Degree’
‘thorough understanding’
B+, B, B‘often’
‘Usually’
‘Considerable’
C+, C, C‘sometimes’
‘learning’
D+, D D‘rarely’
‘limited’
‘understanding’
R
Inclement Weather
‘Bus Cancellations’ and ‘School Closings’ early morning radio announcements may indicate the status
of Centre Wellington and the town of Erin as busses being cancelled, or schools are being closed. It is
important to listen for the phrase “Centre Wellington and the town of Erin.” The following radio stations
carry official messages regarding cancellations and delays: 1090 AM, KOOL FM 105, 1460 AM-CJOY,
106.1 FM-CIMJ, CBC FM 99.1, CKCO TV.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
When buses are canceled but schools remain open, parents may elect to drop their child off at school
on the condition that they pick them up. Often, because of the small number of students attending, we
combine classes and students have an opportunity to work on outstanding projects and complete
enrichment activities. In extreme weather, please make certain that someone (a teacher or
administrator, not a custodian or office co-ordinator) is present to receive your child.
Sometimes buses are late in picking up or dropping off your child. Please make sure that your child
knows what to do if their bus is more than 15 minutes late.
Kindergarten
Children entering Junior or Senior Kindergarten must be four or five years old on or before December
31 of the starting year. Preregistration takes place in February. Parents are required to bring their
child’s birth certificate and immunization records to complete the enrolment process.
Homework
Homework can provide students with practice that helps reinforce classroom
learning and provide other opportunities for independent study. Parents can
help their children by arranging an adequate amount of time, a quiet work
place, and by seeing that assignments are completed.
Most teachers strive to have students accomplish work in their class, under direct supervision. This
enables the teacher to provide the student with timely and appropriate feedback regarding their
learning.
No work completed at home will be evaluated for report card and formal grading purposes; however,
some homework will be assessed and feedback provided.
Photographs
Pictures for students in grades JK to 6 will occur during the first term of school. These pictures will be
made available for purchase at reasonable rates without obligation. A grade six promotion picture be
taken in early Spring.
Year End (June) Awards
At the year-end Awards Assembly in June, student achievement in subject areas and areas of
citizenship are formally acknowledged. At the Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony students receive the
awards reserved for our Grade 6 students. At our general awards assembly at the end of June all
student recipients are honoured in front of the school assembly for their achievements. Below is a list of
awards students may wish to work towards. We are most appreciative of School Council’s financial
support for the awards. Below is an outline of each award.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Award
AB King
Grade Level
6
•
Stephen Griffith Creative Arts
6
•
French
6
•
Jimmy MacPherson Sports
4
•
Ruby Reid Citizenship
6
•
Valedictorian
6
•
OPC Leadership Award
Junior
•
Majourie McDougall Young
Reader’s Award
Optimist Award
3
•
Junior
•
Description
Student has demonstrated
high proficiency in
scholarship and good
citizenship
Demonstrates creativity,
originality, excellence, and
achievement in creative arts
Has demonstrated the basic
communication skills of
French, as well as an
appreciation of French
culture in Canada and other
parts of the world.
Has demonstrated qualities
of fair play and cheerful
participation in the Physical
Education program.
Has exemplified the
principals of: the Lion’s
Quest program fostering
citizenship skills in
responsibility, good
judgement, self-discipline
and getting along with others.
The valedictorian is chosen
by the grade 6 class
Has demonstrated initiative,
citizenship and strong work
ethics while contributing
positively to his/her school
environment.
Was presented during ‘Youth
Appreciation Week’ in
recognition of scholastic
achievement, school
leadership, extra-curricular
activities and interpersonal
relationships with fellow
students and teachers.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Award
Grade Level
ETFO Citizenship Award
3
Description
•
•
ETFO Perseverance Award
•
6
•
Has contributed to positive
school community building by
being friendly and helpful to
staff, students and visitors in
the school.
Has made positive
community choices by
noticing and helping those
who have been treated
unfairly, or are in need, or by
sharing their positive attitude
about learning and caring
with others.
Has met all the challenges of
daily school life with tenacity,
perseverance and vigour.
Always accepts constructive
criticism in a positive way
and always works to improve
goals.
Acceptable Use of Digital Technology
It is the policy of the Upper Grand District School Board to provide
safe and secure digital technology for educational and Board business
applications. The primary purpose of this policy is to support the
educational learning experiences of students through enabling
research and communication opportunities, and to enhance business
operating efficiencies for administrative purposes.
Responsibilities of the School
It is the responsibility of all Upper Grand schools to:
• provide student users with instruction in the proper use of digital technology.
• respond to the abuse of digital technology in a manner consistent with the school’s Code of
Conduct and Board policies and procedures.
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Responsibilities of the User
It is the responsibility of users of digital technology to:
• use digital technology in support of education research or Board business.
• be responsible for his/her own actions.
• respect the privacy of others.
• adhere to standards of courtesy and behaviour consistent with this policy and procedures in
conjunction with the school’s Code of Conduct and Board policies and procedures.
• report to a teacher (student), supervisor (staff) or Chair of the Board (trustees) the inappropriate
use of digital technology.
• accept responsibility for the security of his/her own access or user identification.
• be responsible for his/her exploration of content and services using digital technologies and be
subject to the consequences of the school’s Code of Conduct and Board policies and
procedures.
Unacceptable Uses
Users will not:
• violate any local, provincial or federal statute.
• use Board-provided equipment and/or services for any unauthorized commercial or illegal
activity.
• transmit, post or download digital content or software in violation of Copyright laws.
• plagiarize another person’s intellectual property
• use another person’s intellectual property without his/her prior approval or proper citation.
• engage in any form of harassment or bullying (i.e. cyber-bullying see Policy #503 Safe Schools
and Policy #408 Harassment in the Workplace).
• attempt to violate security or gain unauthorized access to any digital system.
• intentionally disable or damage the property of the Board or other person.
• connect any personal device or non-Board approved equipment onto the Board’s wired
networks at any time or for any reason (see the Acceptable Use of Digital Technology Staff
Handbook).
Consequences
•
•
Based on the U.G.D.S.B board policy and the Acceptable Use of Digital Technology Staff
Handbook, school and Board administrators and supervisors, with appropriate consultation, will
decide whether technology has been used inappropriately. If deemed inappropriate, Board
administrators and supervisors will determine the consequences and discipline. These may
include loss of technology privileges, and/or other consequences consistent with the school’s
Code of Conduct and Board policies and procedures.
Certain breaches of this policy may constitute an offence under Canada’s Criminal Code and
other applicable legislation. Where appropriate, offences of this nature will be reported to police
and dealt with accordingly.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Child Abuse Policy
It is the policy of the Upper Grand School Board to provide appropriate
procedures and curriculum to support employees, charged with the
responsibility under the law, to report suspected cases of child abuse to
appropriate authorities.
A child refers to anyone under the age of 16, or a person under the age of 18
who is subject to an order under the Child and Family Services Act. Every citizen has a responsibility to
report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
There is also grounds for reporting whenever a person believes a child is in need of protection from a
situation e.g. abandonment, inadequate nutrition.
The School’s Role:
It is not the school’s role to determine the validity of any disclosure. However, teachers are in a position
to observe the effects of abuse or neglect, because they are in care of children on a daily basis.
Teachers and principals are obligated by law to report any situations of suspected child abuse. Should
a referral to Child and Family Services be made, school principals are prohibited from notifying
parents/guardians until authorized to do so.
Family and Child Services Telephone: 519-824-2410, 1-519-787-6659 or 1-800-265-8300 24 hours a
day
Code Of Conduct – Ross R. MacKay P.S.
Goals:
•
•
to promote a safe and secure learning environment for all
to foster student growth towards self-discipline and accepting
responsibility for their personal choices
Student Rights & Responsibilities:
Students have the right to:
• live, work, and play in a safe place
• learn free from disruption
• be treated with respect, free from abuse, harassment and discrimination
• be provided with an appropriate school program.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Students Shall:
• show respect for themselves, others, and property
• be honest and accept responsibility for choices
• use polite language
• promote a safe, clean environment
• use only peaceful means to resolve conflicts
• demonstrate behaviours that support the learning environment
Parent Rights & Responsibilities:
Parents have the right to:
• be involved as partners in the learning process
• receive regular communication from staff
• be treated with dignity and respect
Parents are responsible for:
• caring for the needs of their child
• promoting good learning habits at home
• ensuring regular school attendance
• encouraging their child to accept responsibility
Staff Rights & Responsibilities:
Staff have the right to:
• work in a safe environment
• be treated with respect
• be supported in their professional role
Staff are responsible for:
• encouraging students to achieve their best
• providing an appropriate learning environment
• communicating regularly with parents
In-School Expectations:
Students shall:
• come to school regularly and attend classes on time
• fulfill Academic and Learning Skills expectations
• remove hats and headsets on entry
• avoid loitering in hallways, foyer, and washrooms
• follow directions of all staff members
• refrain from gum chewing, during class
• follow the Board Internet Use Policy
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
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•
•
•
Parent Handbook
participate cooperatively in school activities
be attentive and polite at assemblies
dress appropriately: avoiding short-shorts; bare midriffs;
spaghetti straps; bandanas or clothing portraying profanity, violence, drugs, or messages
inappropriate for school tone
Playground Expectations:
Students shall:
• promote safety, fair play, and effective problem solving
• dress appropriately for the weather
• stay within defined play areas and within view of supervisors
• respect and obey all staff
• avoid dumpsters, parking lot, snow piles, wet areas, or
uncleared areas
• report emergencies, injuries, and unresolved problems to supervisors immediately
• obey winter rules (no snowball throwing, ice sliding or deep tunnelling)
• avoid littering
• avoid wrestling, play wrestling, or body contact games such as British bulldog, Red Rover,
tackle football
Creative Playground Expectations:
Students shall promote cooperative play by:
• sharing equipment fairly and taking turns
• clearing slides quickly for the next person
• making sure nobody is below before sliding Students shall promote safety by:
• avoiding food or gum while on equipment
• not pushing, hitting, throwing objects
• not running, playing tag games, jumping off platforms, or playing at top of slide
• always sitting while sliding
• not climbing on railings or exterior building structures
• reporting injuries to the duty teacher quickly
• not moving anyone who is injured
Strangulation Hazard: Caution to Parents
• Draw strings must be trimmed back and tied securely, or completely removed.
• Scarves should not be worn or must be well tucked in when playing on equipment.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Dress Code:
Everyone uses common sense, good judgement, and dresses appropriately
for their age. Appropriate dress is free from symbols of hate, gang
membership, violence, death, abuse, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, racism or
discrimination, obscenities, put-downs, political or sexual messages, or
anything detracting from a positive learning environment
School is a public institution where expectations may differ from personal choices. Muscle shirts,
spaghetti straps, low scooped necklines, bare midriffs or backs or cutouts are inappropriate. Shorts and
skirts must be of reasonable length. Undergarments should never be visible. Jewelry or apparel (such
as large chains, spiked bracelets) that represent a safety hazard, or distraction may not come to school
Fashion trends change over time. Any decision regarding clothing will be at the discretion of
administration
Prohibited Items:
On Site: weapons, toy weapons, knives, lasers, scooters, skateboards, tobacco products, alcohol,
unapproved drugs.
Behaviour Consequences
Consequences are determined by the frequency and severity of the
behaviour, and the child’s ability to understand the school’s expectation and likely consequences for
behaviour.
Positive discipline shows children what they have done wrong, gives them ownership of the problem,
and provides them with options for problem solving.
Consequences sometimes provide time for student reflection and developing a plan for improvement.
Progressive consequences can help stop inappropriate behaviour. Consequences serve the student,
school and community, by supporting a positive learning environment for everyone.
Classroom Level Intervention
Most problems will be resolved by the classroom teacher or yard supervisor as they occur. In the
classroom, problems are often solved through such interventions as:
• teacher proximity
• visual cues
• verbal reminders
• time-out
• loss of classroom m privileges
• missed recesses under the teacher’s supervision
• written assignments or reflection papers
• fixing the problem
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
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•
Parent Handbook
phone calls or notes to parents
parent conferences
Office Visit / Detention / Problem Solving
For repeated or escalating behaviour, or for serious offences, students will be referred to the office to
meet with the principal or designate. During these visits, the initial focus is usually on problem solving
around school expectations and refocusing students on appropriate behaviour. Office level
consequences may include:
• time-out or ‘cool down’ sessions
• problem-solving sessions
• detentions
• “community” service
• repair for damaged or lost property
• restitution
• loss of school privileges
• phone calls or notes home
• parent conferences
• referral to school or Board support services
• advice to parents on referral to outside support services
• mandatory or discretionary suspension
Suspension and Expulsion (ref. Safe Schools Act, 2001)
Suspension:
The principal may suspend a student from attending the school for a period of up to 20 days. A teacher
may suspend a student from attending school for one day. A one day suspension is not subject to
appeal.
The Safe Schools Act and Board Policy outline criteria for compulsory or discretionary suspensions.
Expulsion:
A Limited Expulsion is imposed by a principal or a school board:
an expulsion from the school the student was attending for not less than 21 days and up to a year,
provided the re-entry requirements, if specified, are met.
A Full Expulsion is imposed only by the school board: an expulsion from all the schools in the province,
with no return to any school until a “strict discipline program” has been successfully completed.
The Safe Schools Act and Board Policy outline the reasons for mandatory and discretionary expulsions.
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
Parent Handbook
Mitigating Circumstances
Schools may exercise discretion with respect to mandatory suspensions and expulsions in the following
situations:
1. the pupil does not have the ability to control their behaviour, or
2. the pupil does not have the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of behaviour, or
3. the pupil’s continuing presence in the school does not create an unacceptable risk to the safety
of any person.
The Board and its schools are committed to maintaining safe learning and teaching environments
throughout the school community. If you have any questions about the Code of Behaviour, please
contact the school.
Expectations For Bus Conduct
Students are responsible to the principal for conduct on the bus. Some of the buses are monitored by
videotape, which may be reviewed by the driver and principal.
Riding a school bus is a privilege. With this privilege come responsibilities as stated below:
1.
While loading, the student shall:
• arrive at the stop at least 5 minutes before the pick-up time
• stand well away from the road until the bus has stopped
• line up and board in an orderly fashion
• check traffic before crossing any road and stay 5-8 paces in front of the bus
2. While unloading, the student shall:
• stay in the seat until the bus has stopped
• leave the bus in an orderly fashion
• continue up the lane, if the lane is directly beside the door of the bus
• remain on the shoulder at a safe distance (3 paces) until the bus has departed, if it is
necessary to walk to the lane way
• if it is necessary to cross the road, walk along the shoulder 5-8 paces in front of the bus and
cross only when the bus driver has indicated that it is safe to do so, checking for traffic
3. A student is responsible for compensation for any damage to school buses.
A Student Shall:
• follow the directions of the driver and the patroller
• be courteous and respectful at all times
• keep off the traveled portion of the road on the way to the pick-up point
• ride only on the assigned bus and be picked up and let off at designated stops
• keep books, lunches, or bulky items on lap
• not carry any potentially dangerous or objectionable objects or materials
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Ross R. MacKay Public School
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Parent Handbook
remain in an assigned seat on the bus
whenever possible, leave the last row of seats vacant
The Student Should be Aware That:
• serious or repeated misconduct will be recorded and the report may be placed in the OSR
and result in loss of transportation
Parent Responsibilities Regarding Bus Travel:
• be responsible for the safety and conduct of your child at a pick up stop
• determine if it is safe for your child to leave for school in inclement weather, and
• understand that when a bus does not travel in the morning due to inclement weather, the
bus will not travel in the afternoon
Transporting Equipment
• Skates: Covered by guards, in a bag, on the floor.
• Skis and Poles: Transported only if the bus has underneath storage.
• Hockey Equipment: Permission of a driver is required.
• Musical Instruments: Must be stored on student’s lap.
• Other Items: to be determined in advanced with the principal and the transportation
department.
• Skateboards, scooters and roller-blades may not be transported on the bus.
Bus Transportation for a Non Bus Student
The school cannot grant permission for students who are not normally bus students to ride a
bus to someone’s house, nor can bus students go on a different bus than they were assigned.
Consequences for Misbehaviour on the Bus
Driver warns student and makes a dated note.
1st
Student assigned designated seat. Written note
kept by driver.
Principal is notified by a misconduct report.
Parents are notified. Action is taken. Loss of
privileges.
Principal is notified by a conduct report. Parents
are notified. Bus privileges will be suspended.
2nd
3rd
4th
Transportation of Students by Parents:
Sometimes, parents help transport students to school functions. As the Board requires certain
licensing and insurance to be in place, we require that volunteers planning to transport students
complete the form for this purpose from the office. Parents need to have a valid licence,
sufficient seat belts, and at least two million dollars in liability insurance to transport students.
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